Parliament Queries Legality of NGO Decisions Amidst Missing Adjudication Committee

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC-Central Government) is demanding explanations from the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the prolonged delay in establishing an NGO Adjudication Committee. This committee is crucial for hearing appeals and resolving disputes related to NGO registration, permits, and operations.

During a meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, PAC Chairperson Hon. Patrick Oshabe highlighted that the lack of this committee has led to numerous complaints from NGOs, some alleging that their operations are being deliberately stifled. He questioned whether certain officials might be exploiting the situation for personal gain, a concern echoed in a petition presented to the committee.

The Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Denes Sekabira, strongly criticized the ministry’s actions, stating that any decisions made concerning NGOs without the adjudication committee are illegal. He pressed the ministry to explain the delay in nominating members for presidential approval.

When pressed by MPs to identify who is currently managing NGO operations in the absence of the committee, the ministry was unable to provide a clear answer. The Under Secretary, Dorothy Nsereko, cited changes in political leadership as the reason for the delay, a justification that MPs found unconvincing. However, she assured the committee that efforts are underway to have the committee in place by the end of 2026.

Separately, the committee also addressed concerns regarding undocumented immigrants entering Uganda and the process of acquiring national IDs, as well as the ministry’s refusal to issue passports to children of immigrants who are legally recognized as Ugandan citizens.

Source: Parliament of Uganda